One of the brightest stars to break through in the 2025 FIM Motocross World Championship was young Italian rider Andrea Bonacorsi. A consistent top-ten presence with regular top-five finishes and a podium to his name, Bonacorsi has been rewarded with a multi-year contract with the Factory Ducati MXGP team for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Known as one of the most dominant forces in two-wheeled racing, it feels perfectly fitting for Italy’s powerhouse manufacturer to align with one of the nation’s most promising young talents.

“Yes, New home for me and it’s really exciting!” he told Cult Moto. “Ducati like you said is one of the biggest manufacturers for two wheels and definitely for Italians the biggest I would say and as I’m Italian for me it’s amazing to become part of it.”

Multi-year contracts are hard to come by in professional motocross. The unpredictable nature of the sport — often influenced by injuries — presents a tough challenge for teams when signing new riders. A huge weight is lifted from a rider’s shoulders when they secure a long-term contract. Being surrounded by the same team personnel and having continuous development on the same machine can build significant momentum and help fill important gaps in a rider’s progression. Not only that, but some of the pressure is relieved knowing they are not constantly chasing or fighting for their future.

“As in this sport a lot happens already it’s nice to have sort of safety on that side and knowing that for the next two years I’ll be with the same crew it’s really nice for me and takes a big weight off the shoulders.”

Alongside his smooth riding style and impressive speed, Ducati were undoubtedly attracted by Bonacorsi’s youth. At just 22 years of age, the new Italian partnership has the potential to form a long-term presence in the MXGP paddock, suggesting that Ducati may have a long-term project in mind for Bonacorsi and the brand.

“I feel like many people forget my age sometimes. It’s definitely nice to have someone like them believing in you and I’m sure if everything goes well we can grow together and do something really great.”

The Desmo450 may be new, but it has already achieved MXGP podiums with Jeremy Seewer. While both Andrea Bonacorsi and Calvin Vlaanderen — Ducati’s latest signings — have praised the feel of the stock Ducati, they’re fully aware that the real test will come when the pre-season races begin.

“It’s always exciting to jump on a new bike but like you said everything goes always well in training most of the time and the real test comes once we’re behind the gate. For now we still have to see what’s going to be the best plan for me as many dates for the pre season races are still not out yet.”